Foundation Learning – Continuing Education

Course introduction

This Foundation Learning pathway is a Pre-Entry/Entry level course and will be suitable for you if you have benefited from special education or have come from a secondary school which has been able to give you specialised educational support. You will be offered a one or two year learning programme which uses your existing strengths and is also designed for your particular needs. Groups are usually small and are supported by specialist Learning Assistants.

You will study two Functional Skills in English and Maths. You will also take a range of vocational subjects chosen from the following areas: Art & Ceramics, Cookery & Healthy Living, Child Care, Drama, Land & Environment, Sport, Workshop Skills, Music. In Year One, alongside English and Maths units, you will study for the Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 2 Diploma in Skills for independence & Work. You will study your chosen specialist vocational subjects too. In Year Two you will study for the Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 Extended Certificate in Vocational Studies. You will continue to study to improve your Functional Skills in English and Maths and also do projects which will help to develop your employability skills, which may involve working at a farm and life skills through taking part in independent travel and studying managing your money. In addition, you will attend a work placement one day a week. There is also a residential trip in October, and activity days are planned throughout the year.

The Vocational subjects that you will be given opportunities to study are from a variety of subject specialist areas. Those on offer will include:

Art and Ceramics Unit description: You study a broad range of topics including Painting, Ceramics and 3D Design. You will be assessed through your practical work and an end of course project.

Cookery & Healthy Living Unit description: You will learn about healthy eating and lifestyles. You will have the opportunity to learn practical cookery skills in the college kitchen and produce a portfolio of recipes and coursework.

Health & Social Care Unit description: You will invetigate local health care services and the work of the emergency services. You will be assessed through assignments.

Drama & Media Skills Unit description: You will develop knowledge of Media skills and take part in Drama workshops. You will be assessed through assignments and an end of course performance.

Land & Environment Unit description: You will learn about maintaining a garden and growing plants. You will have the opportunity to use these skills in the Cont Ed garden.

Sport Unit description: You will have sports lessons in the gym and in the sports hall. This will help you develop your fitness and team skills.

Workshop Skills Unit description: You will develop practical skills in the college workshop. You will learn woodwork skills and produce products that you will be able to take home.

Entry requirements There are no formal entry requirements.

Career opportunities Further courses at Brockenhurst or elsewhere. Employment or training.

Minimum entry requirements

This is an open entry course. You do not need any formal qualifications.

All interviews for the course take place from January onwards, so applications need to be received by the college by the end of December.

You will get on to the course if: - you needed extra help at school and/or have a SEN Statement/ EHC Plan, or - you want to improve your basic skills, or - you learn best in small groups, or - you have some learning difficulties

How will I be assessed?

You will learn in small groups with 8/10 students, taught by a teacher and supported by a learning assistant.

Information & support

If you would like to take up a place on the Continuing Education course, you can come to our Summer School!

Summer School takes place in the July before you start the Continuing Education course in September. It is a good opportunity for you to get to know the college campus, the staff who will be working with you and the students you will be learning with. The staff will also be able to get to know you, which will help us to meet your needs when you start College. Costs: You will be asked for a contribution towards resources for the practical subjects. This can be paid in three instalments.

What can I do with this qualification?

You will be able to, either: - move onto another course within the College, or - undertake employment training, or - get a job